Former activist Joshua Wong was on Thursday jailed for 10 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to collude with foreign countries or external elements to endanger national security.

High Court Judge William Tam found the offence was of a “grave nature” under the National Security Law.

The court said Wong and his affiliates, including Nathan Law, persisted after the NSL took effect in calling for foreign sanctions, blockade or other hostile measures against the People's Republic of China, the Hong Kong SAR and their officials.

They deliberately adapted roles so overseas allies made blatant calls for such sanctions, while Wong, remaining in Hong Kong, published and bolstered the calls.

Judge Tam took a starting point of 13 years, then cut three years for the guilty plea and mitigation, leaving 10 years – the statutory minimum for a grave offence.

Two months and two days of the new term will run concurrently with the sentence Wong is already serving for a separate subversion case.

Speaking to reporters outside the High Court, Steve Li, Chief Superintendent of the police's National Security Department, said that Wong took part in social movements from a young age and committed various offences as an adult. Li said he hopes Wong will reflect on his wrongdoings.

"I sincerely hope that for the rest of his time in prison, apart from reflecting on the wrongdoings he has done to the country and to the Hong Kong SAR, he must seize the opportunity to learn how to respect the law and properly understand his own country," he said.


Edited by Aaron Tam